Prefabricated Concrete Wall Formwork Module with Interlocking Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concrete wall formwork modules face challenges with directionality issues during assembly, requiring tedious positioning and lacking secure side-by-side locking until adjacent modules are attached, and are cumbersome and costly to transport due to inherent horizontal directionality and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves providing concrete wall formwork modules with complementary shapes on lateral and longitudinal side edges that interlock when deployed, allowing for easy assembly and secure locking in both directions, and being designed for collapsibility to facilitate transportation and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If collapsible formwork modules with movable panels are used, then space for transport is reduced, but positioning and assembly becomes tedious due to inherent horizontal directionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport spaceVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The module introduces asymmetric interlocking features with different configurations for lateral and longitudinal edges. The first panel has a protrusion that fits into a recess on the second panel, creating complementary shapes that provide asymmetric locking in both horizontal and vertical directions, eliminating the directionality limitation of prior art

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs movable panels that can transition between retracted and spaced-apart positions. This dynamic configuration allows the module to collapse for compact transport and then expand to provide stable formwork during assembly, with interlocking features that engage automatically when panels are positioned

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If side by side assembly is used, then modules can be connected, but locking is not secure until adjacent modules are attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidlocking security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking features are pre-configured on the module edges before assembly. The protrusions and recesses are shaped to automatically engage and lock adjacent modules together as they are positioned, providing immediate secure locking without requiring additional fastening steps or waiting for multiple modules to be attached

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional formwork assembled on premises is used, then flexibility is maintained, but mounting and dismounting is time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformwork flexibilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The formwork system is divided into multiple standardized modules that can be manufactured off-site and then quickly assembled on-premises. Each module contains integrated interlocking features that enable rapid connection without requiring complex mounting procedures, significantly reducing assembly and disassembly time while maintaining flexibility through modular configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10260233B2Prefabricated module for casting a concrete wall

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 POLYCRETE INT

AI summary

A concrete wall formwork module is provided in which the lateral and longitudinal opposite side edges of the modules are provided with complementary shapes that lock in place two adjacent modules when they are both deployed. The opposite side edges of adjacent modules interlock in one direction and are configured for adjoining according to a shiplap arrangement in the other direction.